Optimization of shock wave reformer

This project proposes a new energy paradigm for hydrogen production through shock waves, which can potentially reduce the environmental impact of traditional methods. This work is in support of the New Wave Hydrogen, Inc. (NWH2) proprietary technology development. The manuscript presents a numerical investigation of methane pyrolysis inside a shock wave reformer using a Reynolds-Averaged NavierStokes (RANS) CFD model. A simplified approach is used to capture the gas dynamics during partial opening with a lower com- putational cost suitable for wave reformer optimization design. The numerical results are compared with solutions from a quasi-one-dimensional (Q1D) unsteady model reported in literature and will be validated through ongoing experimental campaign. The simulations show a good agreement between the two different modelling approaches in terms of spatial distribution of the pressure gradient for one complete cycle and reveal particular interest in the analysis of the gas dynamics and the shock propagation at the entrance of each pas- sage, especially upon opening of the high-pressure driver gas port. The extensive numerical exploration including cycle, design and boundary condition provided insight into the gas behavior of the wave reformer and show the potential for more efficient and environmentally friendly hydrogen production.